Behind the scenes: West Texas Rehab Center Telethon

ABILENE, Texas (KTAB/KRBC) – The West Texas Rehab Center Telethon is finally here. The rehab works year-round to serve over 850 patients and treat almost 1,000 different diagnoses.

Since its founding in 1953, no patient has been turned away because of the inability to pay. Thanks to funds raised at the telethon, the rehab can continue to serve and help the community. But, many at home see the glamour of the telethon from musical performances and hearing inspiring patient testimonies. A crew is making it all happen, paying attention to all the small details.

Curt Casassa has been the telethon director from Nashville, Tennessee, for about two decades. He has worked on various big-name projects, like the Country Music Awards. However, Casassa’s favorite show of the year is the WTRC telethon because he strongly believes in their work, visiting the rehab himself.

“I saw this little girl. She couldn’t have been more than six years old. She was on this piece of machinery, and she had a T-shirt on, and it said don’t quit. But when I saw that, I got chill bumps when I saw that. I was like, there’s your reason right there.,” explained Casassa.

Directing for years now, he has been able to challenge himself creatively and make the show visually appealing to viewers year after year. Many members of the crew returned as well and have become a family.

“I look forward to it every single year and Steve Martin and his team, they’re just the best. You know, they say they don’t know anything about TV, but trust me, they do. He’s got a wonderful team, and I said it before. They’re like family, and they really are, and that’s why I keep coming back is just because I love it so much,” added Casassa.

Mark Carver from Tennessee is the lightning and design director for the telethon. He has been a returning crew member for about 23 years. His son also joins and helps him with the lightning.

“We’re responsible for making it look great for the music. So, the music’s exciting, has some feel to it, some tone based on the use of color and things,” said Carver.

Carver is honored to help make the show great for attendees and viewers. Abilene holds a special place in his heart.

“I graduated from ACU back in the eighties, originally from Tennessee. I came out here to go to college at ACU and, you know, met some great lifelong friends. I actually worked the show when I was in college a couple of years, and then the director contacted me about coming back and working with him on it,” added Carver.

Together, the crew is getting the final production details ready to ensure the rehab message of helping others is delivered.

“It’s the people who make this job great and the people who are associated with the rehab. As you guys know, most of the people in Abilene are just great people all around,” added Carver.